Now that we've gone over how to brake effectively, it's important to remember that even at their best, braking distances increase exponentially (the mathematics of which, according to my physics authority and riding buddy Brad Hancock, is that kinetic energy equals one-half mass times velocity squared), not linearly. In other words, while an expert rider can bring a good bike from 30 mph to a stop in about 30 feet, at double that speed, 60 mph, it takes 120 feet. At 120 mph, figure close to 480 feet of stopping distance and so on. This is the fact that catches many riders out. I seldom tell anyone how fast is safe to ride, but I absolutely believe that whatever speed you choose to ride, be damn sure you first have plenty of experience stopping and steering from that speed.